The Longines Master Collection Moonphase is a family, not one watch. This hot take focuses on the 40 mm stainless-steel L2.909.4.97.6, with its sunray blue dial and steel bracelet. Its appeal is clear on paper: an automatic movement, a traditional moonphase display, sapphire crystal and up to 72 hours of power reserve. The compromise is equally plain: Longines rates it to just 3 bar, and setting the moonphase calls for care. That makes it most compelling for someone who values the display and formal, traditional design more than carefree water resistance.
Which Moonphase is this?
Longines lists Moonphase examples in 34 mm, 40 mm and 42 mm sizes, with different dials and strap or bracelet combinations. The specifications and prices below apply to the 40 mm L2.909.4.97.6, not every watch in the collection. Check the full reference before comparing fit or price. Longines’ US collection page shows the broader range.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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The LONGINES Master Collection 40MM Automatic Watch | $3,000.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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LONGINES Master Collection 34MM Automatic Watch | $3,500.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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THE LONGINES Master Collection 34MM Automatic Watch | $3,000.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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The LONGINES Master Collection 40MM Automatic Watch | $3,000.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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THE LONGINES Master Collection 34MM Automatic Watch | $3,500.00 | Buy on Amazon |
The separate Master Collection Chronograph Moonphase models are a different, more complicated family; they should not be confused with this L2.909 Moonphase.
What the L2.909.4.97.6 offers
Longines describes this reference as an automatic stainless-steel watch with a 40 mm case, sunray blue dial, steel bracelet and moonphase function. The manufacturer lists a movement frequency of 25,200 vibrations per hour, up to 72 hours of power reserve, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and water resistance to 3 bar. These are manufacturer specifications, not independent test results. See Longines’ US listing for L2.909.4.97.6.
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#1 Best Overall
- Automatic L899 movement, hours, minutes, seconds, moon phase display and date indicated by small hand at 6 o'clock Case, hours, minutes, seconds, and date and moonphase at 6 o'clock Transparent case back with sapphire crystal
- Stainless steel with triple safety folding clasp and push-piece opening mechanism
- 5 Year International Warranty
The practical tension is between the complication and the protection rating. A moonphase display gives the dial a distinctive traditional detail, but the 3 bar rating is modest. The official figure alone is not a reason to treat the watch as suitable for swimming; follow Longines’ guidance and have the crown fully secured in ordinary use. If water resistance is a priority, compare the exact rating of the reference you are considering rather than assuming other Moonphase variants match this one.
What it costs in the US listings
When accessed in 2026, Longines US listed the blue-dial L2.909.4.97.6 at $3,450. A different 40 mm reference, L2.909.4.92.6, was listed at $3,000 on Longines US. These are reference-specific US listings, not a price for the whole collection or a promise of current availability. Check the live listing for your chosen dial and bracelet or strap before deciding. Longines’ US listing for L2.909.4.92.6.
Rank #2
- Automatic L899 movement, hours, minutes, seconds, and date and moonphase at 6 o'clock Transparent case back with sapphire crystal
- Red Alligator strap with triple safety folding clasp and push-piece opening mechanism
A community question about a complete set offered at $2,000 is useful as an example of the kind of decision buyers face, but it does not establish fair market value. Condition, provenance, seller, warranty status and the exact reference matter; the official list prices above are not a substitute for assessing a particular second-hand watch.
Setting the moonphase takes more than a quick crown turn
Longines’ product instructions say to center the full moon in the aperture, then advance the display one crown click for each day elapsed since that full moon. The brand also advises consulting the manual and checking its illustration before adjustment, to avoid transition periods and protect the mechanism. Do not improvise if you are unsure of the correct setting position or timing.
Rank #3
- Automatic L899 movement, hours, minutes, seconds, moon phase display and date indicated by small hand at 6 o'clock Case, hours, minutes, seconds, and date and moonphase at 6 o'clock Transparent case back with sapphire crystal
- Stainless steel with triple safety folding clasp and push-piece opening mechanism
- 5 Year International Warranty
Longines’ product page for this reference provides the setting guidance and links to the manual. Read the instructions for the exact watch before adjusting it.
How to decide whether it suits you
- Start with size and reference. The collection includes 34 mm, 40 mm and 42 mm examples. Try the size if possible, and verify the full reference so the price and specifications you compare are for the same configuration.
- Choose the dial and attachment you want. The L2.909.4.97.6 pairs a sunray blue dial with a steel bracelet; other collection variants differ. Do not assume their prices or specifications are identical.
- Decide whether the complication earns its place. The moonphase is an aesthetic and mechanical feature that comes with a deliberate setting routine. If you want a low-attention watch or prioritize a higher water-resistance rating, that tradeoff may not suit you.
- Check the terms where you are buying. Longines’ US collection page states a five-year guarantee for automatic models and identifies silicon balance springs as a collection feature. Confirm the applicable guarantee terms for the specific reference and region.
- Evaluate hands-on questions in person. The listed specifications do not establish wrist comfort, accuracy, finishing quality, long-term reliability or value against competitors. Those require direct evaluation or independent evidence.
Verdict
The L2.909.4.97.6 makes a coherent case for the Master Collection Moonphase if you want a conventional automatic watch whose moonphase is a defining part of the dial. The 72-hour maximum reserve and sapphire crystal are useful specifications, but they do not erase the 3 bar water-resistance limit or the need to set the complication carefully. Treat the $3,450 figure as the 2026-accessed US listing for this exact reference, then make the decision around your preferred size, configuration and tolerance for that ownership routine.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Automatic L899 movement, hours, minutes, seconds, moon phase display and date indicated by small hand at 6 o'clock Case, hours, minutes, seconds, and date and moonphase at 6 o'clock Transparent case back with sapphire crystal
- Stainless steel with triple safety folding clasp and push-piece opening mechanism
- 5 Year International Warranty
Rank #4
- Automatic L899 movement, hours, minutes, seconds, and date and moonphase at 6 o'clock Transparent case back with sapphire crystal
- Stainless steel with triple safety folding clasp and push-piece opening mechanism
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
